Aglianico: Italy's Other Greatest Wine
Photo: The vineyards of Donato d’Angelo with Monte Vulture in the background.
This week, we explore the sun-kissed vineyards of southern Italy to discover Aglianico, a hidden gem often described as the Barolo of the south.
Aglianico, native to the regions of Campania and Basilicata, is a grape shrouded in mystery and steeped in history. With a lineage dating back thousands of years, Aglianico has captured the hearts of winemakers and connoisseurs alike yet remains relatively under the radar for many wine lovers.
“Aglianico is one of Italy’s three greatest red grapes, along with Nebbiolo and Sangiovese…”
Ian D’Agata ~ Italy’s Native Grape Terroirs
Aglianico stands proudly among the elite few grape varieties known for their extraordinary aging potential. The thick-skinned berries and high levels of tannins and acidity make Aglianico a perfect candidate for long-term cellaring. As these wines mature, they transform into liquid poetry, unveiling layers of complexity and developing nuanced tertiary aromas.
The three shades of Aglianico
The small, very mountainous region of Basilicata, in Italy’s central-south, holds Aglianico del Vulture one of the three premier DOCs. The neighbouring Campania is home to two DOCs, Taurasi and Aglianico del Taburno.
Taurasi is best characterised by fresh and dried florals, berry fruit, various herb and spice notes, full body and high-toned acid. Aglianico del Taburno is recognised by darker-to-black fruits, earth, leather and square, firm tannins. Aglianico del Vulture are wines of bright red berries and plum and many notes of herb, spice, smoke and coffee grounds, with a really zingy palate aligned with fine, almost powdery tannins. They boast a refined elegance.
Despite the southerly location, a notably fresh acid line accompanies Aglianico’s bold flavours. The most premium vineyards lie at 400 m elevation and above, that moderates the warm temperatures of the south.
Food Pairing
Aglianico's bold character and vibrant acidity make it a versatile companion for various dishes. In southern Italy, wine was always made with the table in mind. The typical cuisine of Basilicata – think, tomato, eggplant, diverse, indeed multifarious, types of peppers and rustic meats (i.e. sheep and pigs), all conjure up an immediate affinity with the classy, mid-weight, food-friendly and savoury nature that is Aglianico.
Exceptional bargain
Finding exceptional value for money can be a quest in the realm of wine. However, Aglianico offers just that! With its remarkable aging potential and relatively modest price tags compared to other age-worthy cultivars, Aglianico wines present an opportunity to experience vinous treasures without breaking the bank. Whether you're a collector seeking a long-term investment or an adventurous wine lover searching for hidden gems, the combination of quality, longevity, and affordability make Aglianico an irresistible choice.
